Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.

Number of results: 151
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festivals
Newport
Sausage and Cider Festival at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight
Sausage and Cider Festival returns to the Isle of Wight on Saturday 4 July 2026.
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
Treat Mum to the Mother of all gifts this Mother's Day; a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. You'll enjoy a gentle guided tour through the idyllic Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master…
General event
Southampton
Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before…
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
A Fun-Filled Family Adventure! Hop into a canoe and paddle along the beautiful Beaulieu River this Easter! Enjoy a relaxing journey through stunning scenery in our stable 'Canadian style' canoes before stepping ashore for an exciting Easter egg hunt…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Step into a world of clicks, calls and curious creatures as we explore the sounds of the sea. Long before modern technology, sailors relied on careful listening to understand weather conditions, spot wildlife and stay safe at sea. Today, sound…
Arts
Southampton
Family-friendly culture festival involving delicious Thai food, dancing, boxing and more.
Festival
Ryde
Steampunk Festival fun on the Isle of Wight Join us to find out what all the excitement is about for the biggest and best Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival 2026 in Ryde. There will be two full days of splendidness between the 18 and 20 September!…
Carnival
Ventnor
Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
General event
Southampton
We will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy – an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents Alice's Adventure in Wonderland on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems… Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland invites…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Beaulieu
Aim for Adventure! Put your skills to the test this Easter. Join New Forest Activities for a fun-filled archery tournament with a seasonal twist! Learn how to shoot a real bow and arrow, then go head-to-head in exciting Easter-themed archery games…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Porsche on Sunday 31 May 2026.
All Porsche owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Held in association…
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.
All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.
Exhibition
Winchester
This free exhibition in Winchester College's Treasury museum draws on the College’s collection of Old Master prints and has been curated by a group of pupils in their final year at Winchester. It includes prints of many different types, by artists…
Festival
Lymington
This 10-12th July the Lymington Seafood Festival gets set to celebrate its 10th birthday. The event has grown into one of the south coasts leading food festivals with sell out crowds sampling delicious seafood, live music, the best local chefs…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.
All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Ventura and Queen Mary 2 in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…
Special Events
New Forest
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend will return on Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026. This must-see family spectacular brings some of the world's most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu.
This event is a must for all supercar enthusiasts, providing an…